Longtime Bellevue Councilman Davidson Concedes in Primary

Don Davidson, a longtime Bellevue councilman who has served on the city council on and off since the 1980s, has conceded to his two challengers in the primary for his seat in position 6.

Bellevue parks and community services board member Lynne Robinson, who has a commanding lead in the primary, will face Vandana Slatter in November.

Davidson and Slatter were close in the vote totals on election night, but as the votes were counted after election day, Slatter retained a small lead. The count continues until the election is certified on Aug. 20.

Davidson had been recovering from heart surgery in the earlier this year, and had a late start on the campaign season. In contrast, political newcomer Slatter outspent both Davidson and Robinson in her campaign.

Davidson, who has served the city for 27 years, vowed to stay active in civic affairs. He issued the following statement on Wednesday:

“It has been an honor to serve on the Bellevue City Council as both a Council member and Mayor for nearly three decades, and to see Bellevue become the world class city it is today.   However, after a week of counting votes, it’s clear that the election has been decided, which is why I today congratulate Vandana Slatter and Lynne Robinson for their victory in the Bellevue City Council Position Six primary race.

“Although I am not advancing to the general election, my commitment to protecting Bellevue's neighborhoods, preserving our parks and environment, and keeping our property taxes low remains steadfast.  I look forward to working on these issues as I continue my service on the Council for the remainder of my term.

“Having made a full recovery from my recent heart surgery, I hope to continue to apply my knowledge and years of experience on the protection and enhancement of our environment and salmon habitat.  My work in this area on the Council has rarely made headlines, but has helped make great strides in improving our region’s watersheds and fisheries.  The work here is not done, and I look forward to the opportunity to apply my knowledge and pass it along to the next generation of environmental leaders.

“I will also continue to be involved in civic affairs here in Bellevue, and will work to ensure that this race focuses on the future of this great City.   Bellevue is a special place, and has grown to be that way due to the sacrifices of many and the balanced governance of our Council.  It's important that our city government stays nonpartisan and focused on the needs of our citizens, and I hope to see that approach in the upcoming general election.”

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